How did the invention of the light bulb and advancements in electrical power play a key role in the growth of American cities in the late 1800s? (1 point) Responses The artificial lights lit up the night sky, attracting people to the cities. The artificial lights lit up the night sky, attracting people to the cities. They allowed factories to produce more, which required more workers to move to the cities.

Question

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The invention of the light bulb and advancements in electrical power significantly contributed to the growth of American cities in the late 1800s by transforming both social and economic dynamics. The introduction of artificial lighting extended productive hours into the night, allowing factories to operate longer and increasing their output. This, in turn, created a higher demand for labor, prompting more people to migrate to cities in search of employment opportunities.

Additionally, the ability to illuminate streets and public spaces made urban areas more attractive and safer at night, fostering social activities and commerce after dark. This combination of increased industrial productivity and enhanced urban livability drew people into cities in unprecedented numbers, accelerating urbanization during this period.